Over 5,400 Odisha labourers migrated abroad in a year, tells Minister in Assembly

Odisha has witnessed a significant migration of labourers abroad, with 5,431 labourers leaving the state within a year, according to the data presented in the State Assembly by the Labour Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia. 

UAE Tops The List

According to the data presented by the Minister, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged as the top destination, with 2,385 workers migrating there. 

While 1,193 labourers moved Saudi Arabia in search of employment, 800 went to Qatar, 438 to Oman 438, and 215 to Kuwait.
Other destinations included Bahrain (141), Iraq (99), Jordan (81), Malaysia (76), South Sudan (2), and Thailand (1), the Minister informed the House in a written reply.

Over 1500 From Ganjam Moved Abroad

Ganjam district accounted for the highest number of migrant workers, with 1,579 individuals moving abroad, followed by Khordha, from where 1,183 workers have left in search of employment opportunities.

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In addition to labour migration, the minister also revealed that 630 child labourers have been rescued in the past decade, including 24 in 2024 alone.

Meanwhile, the government continues to monitor migration trends and take measures to protect workers' rights and welfare, the minister informed.